CDC Considers Restricting COVID Shots to Seniors Amid Growing Concerns Over Vaccine-Linked Child Deaths

Breaking News: CDC Considers Restricting COVID Shots to 75+ Amid Claims of Vaccine-Linked Child Deaths Federal health officials under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are exploring a plan to limit access to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, potentially recommending them only for individuals aged 75 and up instead of 65 and up, according to sources close to the situation. Timeline: Sources claim Trump administration health officials are using data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to link COVID-19 vaccines to the deaths of 25 children. VAERS is a system where anyone can report adverse events related to vaccinations; reports are unverified upon submission and require follow-up by CDC staff. Immediate Impact: The potential restriction could significantly limit access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults with underlying health conditions. This move has sparked concerns among public health experts who emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. Background Context: Vaccine safety is continuously monitored through various surveillance systems, including VAERS. While rare, vaccine-related adverse events are exhaustively assessed to ensure vaccine safety. The CDC's decision-making process involves a thorough review of available data and expert input. What Happens Next: The CDC has not officially announced any changes to its vaccination recommendations. However, the agency is expected to provide an update on its plans in the coming days. Public health experts stress that COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and have been proven safe for most individuals. The debate surrounding vaccine safety highlights the need for ongoing education and awareness about the importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases. Sources: The Washington Post, citing unnamed sources close to the situation, reported on the potential changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Arstechnica reporting.*